East Granby, CT Memorial Day Parade 2010 - Horse Drawn Carriage 'the Massasoit and Newgate Stage'

The East Granby Historical Society houses the coach in the East Granby Historical Society Museum Barn at 85 North Main Street (Rte 187) East Granby, CT 06026. The coach is available for viewing on Saturdays from June 1 through October 1, from 10:00am- 1:00pm. For special events or more information, contact them at (860) 653-6222.

About the History of the Massasoit and Newgate Stagecoach

Taken from the E.G. Historical Society's pamphlet, East Granby Stagecoach was built by the Abbott Company in Concord, NH around 1847. It was made as a hotel coach, most likely for the American House of Springfield, MA.

In 1918, the coach was purchased at an auction by Almon Phelps of East Granby, who owned Newgate Prison at the time. He used the coach as a historical prop.

The coach was restored in 2008, by Hansen Wheel and Wagon Co. of Letcher, South Dakota.

To see the before the parade pictures at the East Granby Historical Society, here.

To see pictures of the East Granby Memorial Day 2010 Parade including more of the stage coach and horses, - see here.

The horses that drew the coach and carriage

Richard Evans from Evans Farms was there with horses Eios and Kathleen from Granville, MA to draw the stagecoach.

Andrew and Anna from Windsor Locks had Annie drawing another carriage. Caitlin from Simsbury was riding Vicki, and Amy was riding Oobie (the polka dotted one).

How to find the Historical Society in East Granby

From I-91, take exit 40 (Route 20). Stay on Route 20 to East Granby Center. Turn right onto Route187 North. Proceed about one mile. Look for the painted silo on your left. Take that driveway toward the silo, and the barn will be on your right.
From the airport, go straight on Route 20, and take the first exit, go about 3 miles and take a right at the light onto Route 187 North. Proceed about one mile, and look for the painted silo on the left. Take that driveway. Barn is on your right.

More about the East Granby Historical Society

The society has published a history of East Granby's barns and the farmers who used them. This book includes a street-by-street tour in pictures and words of the history of the farms and barns in East Granby. To order a copy of this book, send check for $19.00 ($15.00 for the book and $4.00 for handling) and make it payable to: East Granby Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 188, East Granby, CT 06026.

The EG Historical society is also working to support the preservation of Old Newgate Prison, also located in East Granby.

For a list of other things to do near the East Granby Area, please see "Things to do near Bradley Airport".

Source:
East Granby Historical Society pamphlets
Interview